Is your body ready for a baby?: Your results

You can maximise your chances of conceiving if you get yourself in the best of health first. So, what's important and what's not?

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You certainly know how to get yourself in the best possible shape!

Looks like there are a couple of areas where you could improve, and then you'll increase your baby-making chances!

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Your answers

1. Should you start taking pregnancy vitamins even before you get pregnant?

Yes

No

While vitamins are no substitute for a healthy, balanced diet, taking a antenatal supplement helps you get enough of the nutrients that will help your baby grow from the moment you conceive. At the top of that list is folic acid, a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects in developing babies. Make sure whatever vitamin you take has at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid.

2. Should you cut down on caffeine even before you get pregnant?

Yes

No

Too much caffeine (more than about 200mg a day, or two cups of instant coffee) may increase the risk of miscarriage. So, to give your pregnancy the best start once you do conceive, swap that cappuccino for water, fruit juices or fruit teas.

3. Should you wait three months after stopping the pill before trying to make a baby?

Yes

No

Some doctors do recommend allowing a month or two for your body to adjust itself to its natural cycle. Others say that the hormones from the pill are eliminated from your system as soon as you have your next period, so if you are keen to conceive, go ahead. Waiting for one natural period before trying to get pregnant will help you date your pregnancy accurately as you will be sure of the first day of your last menstrual period.

4. Should you see your doctor before trying to conceive if you have a medical condition such as diabetes?

Yes

No

Any pre-existing medical conditions need checking out before you decide to try for a baby. Your doctor can assess your general health and may suggest changing any existing medication you are taking, or prescribe specific antenatal supplements. With a little planning and extra care, you can maximise your chances of conceiving and giving your baby the best possible start.

5. Should you give up smoking if you are trying to conceive?

Yes

No

Smoking can reduce fertility - that goes for men and women. It can also affect your baby's growth during pregnancy and the health of your baby once born. So now's the time to quit.

Not quite! Testicles produce the best-quality sperm when they are cool. Many things can cause overheating – working in a hot environment, sitting for long periods of time, using a laptop on your lap, long car journeys or using a waterbed or heated blanket. The evidence for tight underpants is less clear. But there is no harm in changing to boxer shorts for a while, just in case.

7. Both women and men need to be a healthy weight before conceiving.

True

False

You maximise your chances of getting pregnant if both of you are within a healthy weight range. You don't have to be model slim, indeed, being very underweight can be just as much of a problem as being very overweight. Make sure you get enough fresh fruits and vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals and moderate amounts of protein foods such as meat, cheese, eggs and fish.

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